You read that right. Panasonic has announced that it has developed the first 1,000,000:1 static contrast ratio. This is leaps and bounds beyond the 1,000:1 static contrast ratio that current panel typically support. You can find many monitors nowadays advertising as having a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, but most consumers are unaware that two types exist – static and dynamic – with the static contrast being the true ratio and dynamic being hyped marketing.

Panasonic developed a new form of “light-modulating cells” that are integrated directly into the display cells, enabling the amount of backlight to be controlled on a pixel by pixel basis and allowing for a far greater contrast ratio. Panasonic says the new technology will be perfect for monitors utilizing high dynamic range as it will help recreate a more lifelike image than people are used to nowadays. The first samples are said to begin being manufactured in January 2017 and will initially be limited to professional use such as in broadcasting, video production, medical devices, etc.